The program will take place in three phases. First of all, a phase of familiarization of Australia – which has no nuclear-powered submarines, nor nuclear technology, whether military or civilian – with these machines, via the “training of sailors, engineers, technicians”, said Jake Sullivan. He indicated that the objective was, during the decade, to have “deployments” of American and British submarines in Australia. In a second step, Australia will buy three American nuclear-powered submarines of the “Virginia” class, with an option on two additional submersible ships. The submarines must be delivered from 2030.
But above all, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom will join forces for a new generation of submarines, called SSN-AUKUS. These devices, nuclear-powered and conventionally armed, will involve “important investments” in all three countries,” said Jack Sullivan. They will be delivered from the late 2030s and early 2040s, a senior White House official said.